USDA Rural Development

Paul Smith’s College Receives $1 Million Award From Northern Border Regional Commission’s Forest Economy Program

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 1, 2024
University, Climate Change, Education, White House, Federal Government, State, Local, Forest Products, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Public Policy, Government, Environment, Sustainability, Partnership, Multimedia, USDA, National Science Foundation, Growth, College, USDA Rural Development, Society, Climate change, Programmer, Grant, Acer, Forestry, National park, NBRC, Student, Woman, Workforce

Paul Smith’s College , today announced it has secured a $1 million grant from the 2023 Forest Economy Program, backed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC).

Key Points: 
  • Paul Smith’s College , today announced it has secured a $1 million grant from the 2023 Forest Economy Program, backed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC).
  • This grant will enable Paul Smith’s College to make essential infrastructure improvements on its rural campus in Franklin County, New York — an investment that will strengthen the institution's ongoing commitment to maintain and grow the regional forest economy and forestry-related industries.
  • “Receiving this award from the NBRC is a testament to Paul Smith’s College's pivotal role in advancing sustainable practices and contributing to the vitality of the forest economy in New York State,” said Dan Kelting, President of Paul Smith’s College.
  • In addition to the $1 million Forest Economy Program grant, Paul Smith’s College has received nearly $3 million in other federal funding, demonstrating its dedication to researching and advocating efforts that improve the planet and the lives that inhabit it.

X-Caliber Rural Capital Appoints Anna West President

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Professional Services, Finance, USDA Rural Development, Live Oak Bank, Multimedia, Knowledge, Business administration, University, Business, USDA, Energy, Food industry

X-Caliber Rural Capital , an affiliate of X-Caliber Holdings and a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-licensed lender for rural business and economic development projects, today announced it has appointed Anna West President of the USDA lending firm.

Key Points: 
  • X-Caliber Rural Capital , an affiliate of X-Caliber Holdings and a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-licensed lender for rural business and economic development projects, today announced it has appointed Anna West President of the USDA lending firm.
  • She has more than 15 years of experience with extensive knowledge in facilitating all the USDA’s available rural development programs.
  • “Anna has been instrumental in helping develop and strategically grow our platform,” said X-Caliber Rural Capital’s Co-Founder Jordan Blanchard.
  • West received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.

USDA Awards $25 Million Loan Guarantee to Ameris Bank for Liberation Labs Biomanufacturing Facility in Indiana

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Economic development, Liberation, USDA Rural Development, Government, DSP, Hoosier, Indiana State University, CPG, Renewable energy

RICHMOND, Ind., Nov. 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Liberation Labs and Ameris Bank today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded Ameris Bank a $25 million “Business and Industry” loan guarantee for Liberation Labs’ biomanufacturing facility in Richmond, Indiana.

Key Points: 
  • RICHMOND, Ind., Nov. 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Liberation Labs and Ameris Bank today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded Ameris Bank a $25 million “Business and Industry” loan guarantee for Liberation Labs’ biomanufacturing facility in Richmond, Indiana.
  • Liberation Labs is currently constructing a commercial-scale, purpose-built, precision fermentation biomanufacturing facility with a capacity of 600,000 liters and a fully dedicated downstream process (DSP).
  • “We are excited to help Liberation Labs with a B&I Loan Guarantee,” said Dr. Terry Goodin, USDA Rural Development Indiana State Director.
  • The loan guarantee ensures Liberation Labs will continue to have access to capital necessary for other “bricks and mortar” needs of the site.

Tanana Chiefs Conference Awarded $35 Million Grant to Bring Broadband to Rural Alaska Villages

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Technology, Mobile, Wireless, Carriers and Services, Public Policy, Government, Philanthropy, Other Communications, Telecommunications, Networks, Fund Raising, Communications, Internet, White House, Federal Government, State, Local, VoIP, Digital divide, Chalkyitsik, Alaska, Calista Corporation, ATNI, Food, U.S. Department of Defense Strategy for Operating in Cyberspace, Education, Life, Kuskokwim River, Public policy, Multimedia, ATN International, Science, Natural Resources, USDA Rural Development, Administration, TCC, U.S. Department of Agriculture Cotton Annex, Student, United States Department of Agriculture, Patient, Investment, ATN, Jerry Gana, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Interior, Alaska Natives, Health, Conference, Alaska Native corporation, Doyon, Limited, Alaska Communications, Management, Internet service provider, Renewable energy, Tribe, Interior Alaska, Agriculture, Circle

This week, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) was awarded a $35 million grant to install affordable, reliable high-speed broadband in three underserved TCC communities.

Key Points: 
  • This week, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) was awarded a $35 million grant to install affordable, reliable high-speed broadband in three underserved TCC communities.
  • “The lack of reliable connectivity perpetuates disparities in education, healthcare, economic opportunities and social well-being for our people,” said Brian Ridley, Chief and Chairman, Tanana Chiefs Conference.
  • “USDA Rural Development works alongside Tribes, municipalities, and telecommunication companies to connect remote and rural communities to high-speed internet,” said USDA Rural Development State Director for Alaska Julia Hnilicka.
  • “We’re honored to expand our work with Tanana Chiefs Conference to provide the technical expertise and experience building, operating and maintaining critical broadband infrastructure,” said Kathleen Redmond, Vice President Strategy and Operations, Alaska Communications.

USDA grant award expands AIRRAQ broadband fiber project to three more rural Alaska communities

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Digital divide, State, Partnership, NTIA, U.S. Department of Defense Strategy for Operating in Cyberspace, Culture, Tribe, GCI, Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Napaskiak, Alaska, Delta, USDA Rural Development, II, Student, USDA, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015, III, BNC, Tunnel, Internet service provider, Platinum

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Aug. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GCI announced today that it has been awarded a $35 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's ReConnect program to bring fiber-optic connectivity to Toksook Bay, Emmonak, and Tununak. Connectivity will be delivered to the three communities through an expansion of the AIRRAQ Network, a joint GCI-Bethel Native Corporation (BNC) project to deliver high-speed broadband service to communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.

Key Points: 
  • Connectivity will be delivered to the three communities through an expansion of the AIRRAQ Network , a joint GCI-Bethel Native Corporation (BNC) project to deliver high-speed broadband service to communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
  • GCI has been awarded a $35 million grant from the USDA to bring connectivity to three more rural Alaska communities.
  • The name was chosen by GCI's project partner, BNC, because the fiber will enable Y-K Delta residents to share their stories and culture with the world.
  • "USDA Rural Development is working alongside Tribes, municipalities, and telecommunication companies like GCI to connect remote and rural communities to high-speed internet," said USDA Rural Development's State Director for Alaska Julia Hnilicka.

Three New Partners Announced at Tidwell Group

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 3, 2023
USDA Rural Development, Partnership, Birmingham School of Law, Johns Creek, Georgia, Housing, Construction, University, U.S. Department of Defense Strategy for Operating in Cyberspace, Partner, Bachelor of Business Administration, United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, HUD, Certified Public Accountant, Auburn University, Business administration, USDA, CPA, LIHTC, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, CVA, American Institute, Accounting, Property management, Nursing, Science

"We couldn't be more thrilled to have Natalie, Mindy, and Michael join us as Partners at Tidwell Group," said J. Barry Tidwell, CPA, CVA, our National Managing Partner.

Key Points: 
  • "We couldn't be more thrilled to have Natalie, Mindy, and Michael join us as Partners at Tidwell Group," said J. Barry Tidwell, CPA, CVA, our National Managing Partner.
  • "Their remarkable skillsets and diverse backgrounds are a true testament to our firm's unwavering commitment to gathering the finest professionals in the industry.
  • Working together, we'll keep raising the bar for our services, always striving for excellence in everything we do."
  • Natalie Giesen, CPA is an Assurance Partner in the Birmingham office of Tidwell Group and has over fifteen years of experience, with nine of those being in public accounting.

Fiber Broadband Association Hosts The State Broadband Summit at Fiber Connect 2023

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Technology, Carriers and Services, Other Technology, Telecommunications, Public Policy, Government, Networks, Internet, Hardware, State, Local, Kansas Department of Commerce, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, United States Department of the Treasury, USDA Rural Development, Partnership, EPB, NTIA, U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Security, The Pew Charitable Trusts, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Public policy, American Affairs, Lobbying, EVP, Policy, Calix, White House Council on Women and Girls, Coalition, FBA, United States Department of the Interior, Development, Kentucky House of Representatives, Urban planning, Representative, Walking, Housing, Interior, Fireside chats, Entrepreneurship, Ecosystem, Missouri House of Representatives, Office of Community Planning and Development, Google Fiber, Summit, Convention center, Conference, Commerce, Internet service provider, Management, New product development

The Fiber Broadband Association today announced it will host The State Broadband Summit on Wednesday, August 23, at Fiber Connect 2023 in Orlando, Fla. As state broadband offices submit their five-year broadband plans, the Summit will bring together critical players from within the fiber broadband ecosystem to explore the best path forward.

Key Points: 
  • The Fiber Broadband Association today announced it will host The State Broadband Summit on Wednesday, August 23, at Fiber Connect 2023 in Orlando, Fla. As state broadband offices submit their five-year broadband plans, the Summit will bring together critical players from within the fiber broadband ecosystem to explore the best path forward.
  • So, we’ve created content that provides the tools needed to successfully navigate fiber network builds—both today and over the next decade,” said Evann Freeman, EPB Director of Government Relations and Fiber Broadband Association Conference Committee Chair.
  • The full Fiber Connect 2023 conference runs August 20-23, and will be held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Those interested in attending can register for a full conference pass that includes the State Broadband Summit, or a one-day pass is now available to attend Wednesday’s State Broadband Summit only.
  • For more information about the State Broadband Summit or the full Fiber Connect 2023 conference, visit fiberconnect.fiberbroadband.org .

Fiber Broadband Association’s Fiber Connect 2023 Declares Leave No Community Behind

Retrieved on: 
Monday, May 1, 2023
Technology, Carriers and Services, Other Technology, Telecommunications, Public Policy, Government, Networks, Internet, White House, Federal Government, State, Local, Legislature, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Marketing, Kansas Department of Commerce, Ecology, White House Council on Women and Girls, Treasury, RVA, Interior, Policy, Missouri House of Representatives, Convention center, Community Broadband Network, Commerce, EPB, Office of Economic Opportunity, NATE, Lumos Networks, United States Department of Transportation, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Accord, Machine learning, Trac, Conference, Consultant, Broadband Forum, AT&T, Trainer, Exhibition, AT, Health, Frontier Communications, Transport, Google Fiber, Workforce, United States Department of the Treasury, Partnership, American Affairs, Concept, Ting Inc., FBA, USDA Rural Development, Internet service provider, Quantum

The Fiber Broadband Association today announced the agenda for Fiber Connect 2023 , held August 20-23, 2023, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Key Points: 
  • The Fiber Broadband Association today announced the agenda for Fiber Connect 2023 , held August 20-23, 2023, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
  • Fiber Connect 2023 is expected to be the largest, most successful Fiber Broadband Association event ever.
  • Registration for Fiber Connect 2023 is now open and can be accessed here.
  • New elements to this year’s agenda include Fiber Meet Ups, The C-Suite Forum, The State Broadband Summit at Fiber Connect 2023, and Technology Deep Dives presented in partnership with The Broadband Forum.

BayFirst Welcomes USDA Business & Industry Lending Officer, Expands Efforts to Fund Rural Development

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Purdue University, Lake Michigan Credit Union, USDA, Accounting, Odell M. Conoley, U.S. Department of Agriculture Cotton Annex, USDA Rural Development, SBA, Small business, Bank, Tampa Bay, Indiana University, Science

8 SBA lender in the nation, St. Petersburg-based BayFirst National Bank has welcomed a 40-year industry veteran to spearhead the USDA business lending efforts of its, CreditBench division.

Key Points: 
  • 8 SBA lender in the nation, St. Petersburg-based BayFirst National Bank has welcomed a 40-year industry veteran to spearhead the USDA business lending efforts of its, CreditBench division.
  • Charles (Charlie) Conoley assumes the newly created position of VP, USDA Rural Development Lending Officer, charged with overseeing and further developing the Bank’s efforts to meet the lending needs of businesses located in rural areas across the country.
  • In his new role, Conoley will help execute BayFirst’s USDA business lending strategy, focusing on driving growth and profitability for loan initiatives available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Program.
  • “Charlie brings vast knowledge and expertise in business lending, specifically for rural businesses that are often underserved,” said BayFirst SVP, Director of SBA Loan Originations Chris Hackney.

Union Home Mortgage Acquires Amerifirst Home Mortgage, Strengthening Presence in Florida, Michigan, California and More

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Finance, Banking, Professional Services, Residential Building & Real Estate, Construction & Property, Partnership, USDA Rural Development, UHM, A'ali, Partner, Growth, Acquisition, Home, USDA, Union Home Mortgage, Real estate

Union Home Mortgage (UHM), a full-service retail, wholesale and consumer direct independent mortgage banking company, announced today its acquisition of Kalamazoo-based Amerifirst Home Mortgage.

Key Points: 
  • Union Home Mortgage (UHM), a full-service retail, wholesale and consumer direct independent mortgage banking company, announced today its acquisition of Kalamazoo-based Amerifirst Home Mortgage.
  • The combination will expand UHM’s national reach in key markets and bring together two leading USDA mortgage lenders.
  • “On behalf of all our Partners, I am excited to welcome the wonderful mortgage professionals of Amerifirst to the world-class platform of growth at UHM,” said Bill Cosgrove, President & CEO of Union Home Mortgage.
  • “Our company lives by the mantra of ‘Promises Kept,’ which includes promises to our customers, communities and colleague Partners.